Here's a quick idea I had: to emphasize the difference between "you at level 1" and "you at level 6", start everyone off with a lower stat array, but give them rapid improvements to their ability scores.

To whit:

Every PC starts with the non-Elite ability score array. Put an A next to the ability score you put your 13 into, a B next to the one you put a 12 into, a C next to the one that you put an 11 into, a D next to the one you put your 10 into, and an E next to the one you put the 9 into.

At 2nd level, a PC increases ability scores A and B by one. In addition, they increase one ability score that receives a Racial penalty by one, as well as one other ability score that receives neither a racial bonus nor penalty.
At 3rd level, a PC increases ability scores C and D by one.
At 4th level, a PC increases ability score E, as well as one other of their choice, by one. In addition, they increase one ability score that receives a racial bonus and one that receives a racial penalty by one.
At 5th level, a PC increases ability scores A and C by one.
At 6th level, a PC increases ability scores B and D by one. In addition, they increase one ability score that receives a Racial bonus by one, as well as one other ability score that receives neither a racial bonus nor penalty.

This is purposefully designed so that you'll end up with the Elite array plus 3 discretionary points, 2 points split amongst your racial bonuses, and 2 points split between your racial penalties. For races that don't receive ability score bonuses, they lose out on those particular bonus points - they basically trade two extra points of ability scores for whatever other bonuses they have.

nonsi

2015-09-08, 01:01 AM

For races that don't receive ability score bonuses, they lose out on those particular bonus points - they basically trade two extra points of ability scores for whatever other bonuses they have.

But that was their balancing factor at level 1.

Amechra

2015-09-08, 01:19 AM

With some thought, you are pretty much right.

Back to the drawing board...

nonsi

2015-09-08, 02:18 AM

With some thought, you are pretty much right.

Back to the drawing board...

Not sure you need to throw everything and start anew.
You could state that if they don't have a stat with the appropriate modifier (up or down), then:
1. They choose an ability score without modifiers.
2. Under that clause, they can't choose the same unmodified stat twice in a row.
Of course it'll need some rephrasing to prevent abuse, but it seems balanced to me that way.